Dear friend

Dear friend,

You ask where I am and where I've been, maybe surprised I am still alive. I could ask the same of you. I left the town where we met, where I grew up, received an education and became a "man." I left only after the place I called home became unrecognizable. Others decided it needed to change. I faced north and stepped off the cliff. Many miffed but they will recover. When I think of you I remember your smile in French 1 at the university. You saw right through me and came closer anyway. I have many times silently spoken the words I'd use to apologize. So many ways to say I'm sorry. The years have been mixed blessings and lessons learned, some painful and others purely sweet and tender so. There were accidents that almost took my life, leaving me forever changed. I was triumphant in my survival but spoiled in their effect. Left to carry these remarkable events inside where they weigh a million pounds. But after I became a husband and dad, with a family to love and gain strength from. We laugh and love and watch the seasons play outside the front porch door. I haven't asked why and what for - in years. You ask where I am. Here I am.

Merci et beaucoup de bénédictions.

Sincerely, .JM.